Hei guys, sorry for the late update. Got a little lazy so I apologize! Anyways, here is my new chapter and I hope you'll enjoy it.
Do review :D
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters here except for Slayn Wilder.
The rest belongs to Walt Disney.
CHAPTER 10: STRENGTHENING THE BONDS
A month has passed since the incident with the rogues and was peaceful once again in the Pride Lands. Well, actually the Pride Lands have always been peaceful. Better said that there is no longer a threat to the throne for Simba. That would sound better.
The wound from the male lion has finally healed completely last week. It was the longest injury I have ever suffered but there were some benefit from that. One of it was that Simba was the one that had to perform the king's duties since I was injured.
It not only helped me relax from that boring and stressful position but also allows Simba to get used to this job when he grows up. He complains that making the morning rounds was boring. I just laughed at him and told him that he was going to be king so he had better get used to it.
I opened my eyes the moment I woke up from my slumber. I turned my head and found that all of the lionesses were still asleep. I looked outside the cave and it was still dark outside. I smiled happily. It is still early, which means I can enjoy a good bath in the stream. I now wake up before dawn everyday. It is like my body is now an automatic alarm clock. I automatically wake up at this time.
I woke up and took my backpack with me. As usual, I did my normal routine. I spent ten minutes doing my exercise and stretches. When I felt that I was fully awake, I walked back into the den to wake up Simba. The reason I have to wake him up is that he asked me to. Everyday, he would follow me to where I take my bath while he either watches or swims around. He states that I am the closest thing to a brother so he thinks we can bond more like that.
Carefully avoiding stepping on any lioness, I walked to Simba, who was all snuggled up near her mother's face. I nudged him softly to wake him up and careful not to wake Sarabi up. I had to nudge him three times when he finally opened his eyes. He looked completely dazed. He looked around, still trying to rub off his tired eyes. When he saw me, he immediately stood up with a smile on his face. This cub always seem to amaze him. One second he was trying hard to wake up and the next second, he was fresh.
The two of us walked out of the den and proceed to our destination. It was still dark, the sky pitch black. However, I could already see some animals waking up from their slumber. Some were already grazing while some just walked around and took a drink at the watering hole.
When we reached the stream, Simba sat down as he watched me test the temperature of the water. It was bloody cold but I'll get used to it. Stripping off my clothes, I jumped into the water. I almost screamed as the cold water travelled through my body. Simba just laughed at my expression. I looked at him and gave a mischievous grin. I used my hand to throw some of the water at Simba. I got him and he was soaked to the bone as he ran back a little, breathing heavily. It was my turn to laugh at him now.
After I was done taking my bath, I wore my yellow uniform. This was the only uniform that has no patches on it. My green uniform has been torn a lot as I used it to fight hyenas and the damn rogue lion a month ago. Once we were done, we walked back towards Pride Rock. The sun was already coming up. However, I felt thirst coming so I informed Simba to continue on to Pride Rock while I made my way to the watering hole.
When I reached the watering hole, there were a few other animals there. An elephant and two zebras were drinking. They looked up at me and then continued back to their drinking. I bent down and quenched my thirst while I also refill my bottle. I also took the time to clean my knife. Even though it has not been stained by blood since last month, I cleaned it anyway.
After five minutes of drinking and cleaning, I made my way back to Pride Rock. The sun was already rising and light was appearing in the Pride Lands. I made my way to Pride Rock and found Simba and Nala talking to each other. I guess they are awake, but what bout the lionesses? They should be preparing for the morning hunt.
"Morning Slayn." Nala greeted me.
I simply waved at her to acknowledge her greeting. "Is your mother awake?" I asked.
"I think so." She answered.
I thanked Nala and she went back to talking with Simba. I walked into the den and found the lionesses all awake but still lying down. Some were stretching. Sarabi was wide awake and sitting down, talking with Sarafina. They saw me and the two lioness walked towards me.
"Good morning Slayn." Sarafina greeted happily.
"A good morning to you too."
"So, what do you want of us?" Sarabi asked.
I smirked at her, "How do you know I want to see you?"
"Well," She said, starting to think, "You come into the den and you were looking around the lionesses. When you saw us, you did not turn to look at the other lionesses. Am I wrong that you want to see us?"
I laughed, "Right you are Sarabi. I just wanted to know why you aren't ready for the hunt yet. Or preparing it."
"Oh, we will soon. We just need to rest for a little while." Sarafina answered for her queen.
I nodded and then made my way out. That answers my question and it is time for our morning rounds. Simba had better be ready. He's always trying to find an excuse to not do the morning rounds with me.
I found him below Pride Rock, still talking to Nala. He looked up and saw me looking down at him and he sighed heavily. He said something to Nala and he then walked towards me with a bored look. At least he isn't complaining.
"Ready to go?" I asked him.
"Yeah. I guess." He replied without looking at me.
The two of us started walking away from Pride Rock, just looking around, patrolling the Pride Lands. It was a nice weather today, it was not so sunny. The weather was cool. We found nothing unusual happening, just animals grazing. Once we reached the end of our journey, we made our way back to Pride Rock.
On our way, I saw Zazu flying towards us. That was when I remembered that I have not yet received the morning report. Just great. I'm going to have to listen to Zazu babble about stuff that I don't want to hear. Nothing interesting really. It is just to either solve some easy problems with the animals here. But I never know. Perhaps more rogue lions will be spotted again. That will be troublesome. I have no intention of fighting them again.
My thoughts drifted to the fight last month. I never thought I could beat a lion in a one on one combat. I thought I would have died in that fight.
When Zazu finally reached us, he greeted us and started telling me about the report. I have no intention of listening. I just heard something about cheetah's complaining about the hunting ground but that wasn't unusual. They always complain that we hunt more. That isn't really the answer. It's just that we're better at hunting.
I chuckled. Frankly, I don't know why the cheetah's always want to complain something they can't change. According to Sarabi, this problem has been occurring since King Mohatu's time. The cheetah's were probably just trying to drive the king of Pride Lands crazy.
Once Zazu has finally kept his mouth shut, I smiled, "All done, Zazu?"
"Yes Slayn, but did you even hear what I just said?" He replied with an annoyed tone.
"I'm sorry Zazu, it's just that the report gets so boring sometimes."
"That is no excuse Slayn," Zazu exclaimed, "You are now the king, for now. You have to listen to the reports."
"Fine, but is it really important as the rogues?"
"No, but…"
"Then," I interrupted him, "I see no importance for me to listen."
Zazu didn't respond after that. He simply flew off. I chuckled softly while Simba was laughing on how Zazu's expression on his face. Simba always made pranks involving Zazu and sometimes he did it with his best friend, Nala. Zazu never understood why they like to torture him. The simple answer was that he was the smallest animal among the lions so it was easy for them.
We made our way to the cheetah's where we simply explained that we just had the better hunting ground. They still accused us of stealing their food. In the end, we kind of won the debate. I just pointed out they can leave the Pride Lands if they think they don't have enough food. Obviously, they have no intentions of leaving and finding a new place to stay.
Once that was done, we made our way back to Pride Rock. Even from the distance I could spot the lionesses returning from the hunt. It seems that caught an antelope. That was good. We have been catching too many zebra's these past few days and I was starting to get sick of it. I almost changed my meal to insects but I waited for one more day which was lucky as they did not bring back a zebra.
Just like I instructed, they did not have to wait for the king to be the first one to eat the meal. When me and Simba arrived, they were all finished eating, leaving what was left which was actually still quite a lot. Luckily for me, Simba was quite a heavy eater. Well, he is a growing cub so I guess his hunger for growth is probably the reason for that.
After I was done cooking my meat and consuming it, I relaxed under a tree from the heat. The lionesses were also resting. Some laid below Pride Rock since the shadow of Pride Rock was big enough for most of them. Others were probably in the den. Simba and Nala, as usual were playing tag. As to date, Simba has never beaten Nala in a game of pouncing. She just seems to always win and this is mostly by just flipping over.
Simba uses his strength to pin Nala but he uses too much of it, causing Nala to simply push a little to cause a flip. This was a mistake that, no matter how many lionesses advice him to, will never learn. He just focus too much on strength and not on agility.
I soon fell asleep under the tree and did not wake up when I felt someone shaking me. I slowly opened my eyes but blinked back in pain as the sunlight shined directly into my eyes. I had to block it off and readjust my eyes for a full minute. When I was done, I looked at who woke me up from my sleep.
It was Simba and he had a concerned look on his face.
"What is it Simba?" I asked him.
"Well, it's time for our afternoon rounds Slayn." He answered.
His answer brought me to my senses. I looked up at the sun and indeed it was high in the sky. It was time for the afternoon rounds. With that conclusion, I slowly raised up to my feet and rubbed my tired eyes.
"Okay, let's go."
Simba nodded and we started on the same path we used for the morning rounds. I chuckled at myself when it was like this morning when we used this path and now we are using the same. It was like déjà vu. As we continued our walk, I sensed someone following us. Since it was unusual for someone to follow doing our rounds, I had to be prepared to protect Simba. I took out my knife and then spun around.
"Show yourself!" I yelled with my knife in front of me in an attacking stance.
After a few seconds, there was some rustling in the tall grass nearby. Simba cowered down below my feet to stay safe. Then, of all the things I thought would appear, I did not expect her.
It was the cub, Nala. She was visibly shaken by my threat and looked at me with fear. She could even be trembling and it made me feel horrible for scaring an innocent little cub. However, what was she doing stalking us?
"Nala…" I said, breathing out a sigh of relief, "What are you doing here?"
"I, erm… I just wanted to follow you guys. I wanted to see what do you guys do in your rounds?"
"Well, I'm sorry Nala but this is officially business of the king. No one is allowed to follow save for the king's major-domo or his mate. Since I am the king, for now, and Simba is the prince, we are allowed to walk together. However," I stopped, I had to put it in words that would not hurt Nala's feelings.
"You, Nala," I continued, "Are just Simba's best friend. I'm sorry Nala but you're not connected to Simba by blood or any sort. The only thing that can allow you to follow the morning rounds and not related by blood is by being Simba's mate."
The moment I said 'mate' Simba and Nala immediately had shocked looks on their faces. It was priceless! I enjoyed looking at Nala's shocked face while Simba jaw nearly touched the ground. Besides, I was just telling them the truth that they will one day be mates. It was inevitable.
Nala was the first to get back her ability to speak, "Well, that won't be necessary. Like we once told Zazu, we're friends and that won't happen. Right Simba?"
Simba nodded madly. I was worried he might sprain his neck if he continue. Nala smiled when she had her answer.
"Well, you had better get back to Pride Rock Nala."
"Yeah. Right."
She started walking back into the tall grass and soon disappeared from sight. The two of us watched on and finally after a few seconds, I urged Simba that we should continue on our rounds. He soon snapped back to reality. I wondered what was going on in the young cub's mind.
Our walk was uneventful. I realized that Nala had actually followed us for quite some distance because just a minute walk later, we reached the end of our rounds and we had to make our journey back to Pride Rock. I just realized I was still holding my knife and I put it back in my left pocket. Pride Rock looked so small from here.
During our walk back, I heard something that I did not want to hear. As a matter of fact, it was a sound that sounded familiar when Mufasa was alive. It was a scream. A scream that sounded familiar during my time in the elephant graveyard. Simba's ears perked up and I knew I was not hallucinating. It was Nala's voice, and she was screaming for help.
Without even thinking, I ran towards the sound. I was so caught up on trying to find Nala that I did not realize that Simba was following me closely. I wondered why Nala needed help but I didn't want to know. How stupid was I that I had actually sent the cub home alone? I broke into a sweat. I was worried like hell. I should have been more responsible and let Nala followed us. After all, she will be the queen of Pride Rock in the near future.
I ignored the pain in my legs as I ran. I was surprised that it took me some time to reach her since I was starting to get tired from running. That was when I realized it was not that she was far, but she seemed to be running away from something while still screaming for help.
Whatever she was running away, I had to kill it. I took out my gun and cocked it. I still had a magazine with 9 bullets left. I kept cursing at myself for risking Nala's life. Finally, I found Nala running away and the sight was something I did not like.
There were about four hyenas chasing the cub. I wasted no time to act. I ran towards them and while I was running, I aimed my gun towards the sky and pulled the trigger. My plan was to just distract them even for a second. It worked. The hyenas stopped for a second or two to look at me. Then, they continued chasing the cub though she was now further away from them.
I was surprised that I was able to catch up with them. I must be running fast because I know that animals can run faster than us and I am actually keeping up with them. When I was within range, I tried to shoot one of the hyenas but due to me running, aiming one of it in the head was hard. I finally pulled the trigger and the results were not satisfying.
I shot the last hyena in the group in the back. It was not an even important part of the body to wound it fatally. It would just make it harder to move. It yelped in pain as it collapsed to the ground. The hyenas all stopped and they immediately started conversing with each other.
Simba ran past me. I ordered him to stop but he did not do so. I quickly ran after him and the hyenas acted. Simba was able to somehow avoid all of them as they tried to bite him and he escaped. He was running to Nala. I tried to follow him but all hyenas snarled their teeth at me, growling madly.
Then, suddenly, one of the hyena ran after Simba and Nala while the three started to surround me. Damn it! They were trying to buy the hyena some time to finish the prince off. I screamed in my head. I will not allow the king to fall. If he dies, then, who is to be king?
"Get out of my way!" I yelled at a hyena only to have it bark at me.
I was mad as hell and this time, I did not wait for them to strike first.
I ran up to the hyena that barked at me and slashed the hyena in the muzzle and it actually cut through from the left muzzle to the right muzzle, instantly killing it. The sight was gruesome. It was as if his mouth can be seen through from it's sides.
The other two hyenas striked. The closest one jumped at me but I avoided it and the other one tried to attack my face with it's claws. I did not avoid it on time. I was lucky that I only got one scratch on my face than three but it hurt like hell. Blood poured down my cheek and I touched it. The scar will carry on with me for the rest of my life.
I had no time to waste. Taking out my gun, I shot the two hyenas in the face, blood spluttering all over me. I had only 6 bullets left now but I did not care. Leaving the corpse for the scavengers, I ran towards the last hyena. I immediately felt fear in my heart should the worst happen to Simba.
I was so tired that I didn't think that I could go on. Still, I pushed my limits. I already promised Mufasa that I will protect Simba with my life and I will be damned if I let the hyena take his life. I ignored the pain of the sweat entering my eyes. I ignored my fatigue and pain in my legs and hardly took in breaths.
I finally found them from a distance. Simba and Nala were now cornered to a tree, with Simba facing the hyena trying to protect his friend. They were so far that they were hardly recognizable from here. I had to get to him before the hyena strikes. The hyena I could see was taunting Simba and Nala and I prayed that the hyena continues his taunts until I arrive to teach him a lesson.
When I finally neared him, the hyena finally did something that I did not wish to be the witness. The hyena attacked Simba by hitting Simba in the head with its paw. Since he was just a cub, the attack was devastating to the cub, throwing him off the ground and landing hard a few feet away from Nala. I watched the whole thing and grit my teeth in anger. I took out my knife and held it so tight that I thought I might bleed from the grip.
Simba watched on helplessly as the hyena slowly approached him, growling and snapping it's jaws in front of Simba to bring in fear to Simba. It of course worked and even from the distance I could see that Simba was trembling uncontrollably. I was getting nearer and Nala was me running to her and Simba. She looked at Simba and then at me. I could see in her face she was telling me to hurry.
The hyena did not notice me yet and when he finally reached Simba, he bit Simba's left hind leg. The little cub yelled in pain and tried desperately to make the hyena let go by clawing at him but the hyena ignored the scratches. Blood was seeping through the bite and Simba was helpless to do anything. Before the hyena could continue to bite the prince's hind legs, I stopped it from happening.
"Let him go and I will make your death quick!" I told the hyena at the top of my lungs.
The hyena looked at me and let go off Simba. Nala instantly ran towards her friend, trying to help him. I could see that Simba was in pain and that even increased my anger. I was filled with rage.
The hyena barked at me and he continued to walk around me in circles, trying to estimate me in strength. At last it striked.
Barking at me and revealing it's razor sharp teeth. Before it could bite me, I was able to slash the demon above it's eyes but the cut was not deep enough. It merely left a scar with blood seeping out of it. The hyena yelped in pain and tried to recover by backing away but I was not going to give it time to recover.
I ran forward and stabbed the hyena on it's right shoulder, and I kicked the hyena in the chest, causing it to fall backwards and at the same time, helping me to take out my knife. It whimpered in pain but I felt no pity for trying to kill Simba.
I walked slowly to it and looking at the smelly animal once more, I delivered the finishing blow, pluning my knife in it's chest. It died instantly and I knew that the deed was done. I saved Simba from death along with Nala too. I breath out a sigh of relief, walking towards the cubs.
I bent down and rested my hand on Simba's head, "You okay?"
Simba looked at me and gave me a weak, tired smile, "Yeah. Thanks Slayn."
"Don't thank me. It was because of me that I put you and Nala's lives in danger. If I had just let Nala follow us earlier, none of this would have happened."
Nala had a guilty look and I assured her, "It's not your fault Nala. Don't blame yourself."
"Come on, we should go." Simba said, trying to stand up but failed as the wound on his left hind leg was too much for him.
"Are you okay Simba?" Nala asked in a worried tone.
"Yeah, I..."
"No," I interrupted Simba, "You can't walk in this state. Come, I'll carry you and then we'll get Rafiki to heal you if it becomes necessary."
As I picked him up and carried him to my chest, I heard him whisper, "Thanks."
I smiled at him and started walking to Pride Rock. Nala followed, walking by my right, occasionally looking at Simba to see if he was alright. Well, this is good news. Once they are mates, it will be good to see that Nala is worried for Simba. Perhaps she can even keep him in line so that he does not do anything stupid.
I looked up at the sky and I could see dark clouds were forming. I guess tonight will be a good night to sleep since the rain will make the weather cool. It has been sometime since I slept with low temperature to comfort me. I was actually lucky that I got used to the heat over here.
When we reached Pride Rock, I realized that Simba was already asleep. I guess all that running had worn him out and I looked down and saw that Nala was also tired. I pitied the cubs so I walked into the den and placed Simba on the plateau. I called Nala over.
"Nala, I need you to do me a favour." I informed the cub.
"Yeah?"
"I need you to accompany Simba while I wait for the lionesses to return and help Simba."
"Accompany Simba?" She said those words as if she was ordered to jump into a river. After all, lions are afraid of the water other than using it to drink. With the exception of Simba.
"Yes Nala. Sleep next to him to comfort him. He has been through a lot today. He was attacked by a hyena and I don't think he would want to be alone at a time like this."
"Well," Nala hesitated for a few seconds, "Fine. Just hurry back".
I simply smiled at her answer as she climbed the plateau. She looked at the sleeping prince and finally, laid down, snuggling close to the prince to provide body warmth. She soon fell asleep, breathing slowly.
I walked out of the den, letting the cubs rest. This should allow them to bond more. The more they spend times like this with each other, the easier or sooner it is when they fall in love. Most best friends, when they're of different gender will one day fall in love with each other although it takes some time to actually admit it but it will happen one day.
I sat below Pride Rock, looking at the sun as it started to set. The sky was red since it was already setting and I spotted the lionesses returning from their hunt. They were still quite far so I decided to check up on Simba and Nala before I tell Sarabi of the situation.
Before I entered the cave, I could hear Nala conversing with someone.
"I'm really sorry Simba. This was all my fault!" She said in a depressed tone, it was like she was or about to cry.
"Nala," A voice which I recognize to be Simba said, "It's not your fault so stop blaming yourself. I don't blame you for this."
"But you're hurt!"
"Yeah," He agreed with her, "But I am even lucky that I'm actually over here. If it was not for Slayn, I don't even want to think what would happen."
There was no response to his statement but I could hear Nala sobbing. I guess Simba's answer just caused her to break. He was just too nice and Nala felt even more bad for hurting him. I chuckled that sometimes Simba is too innocent sometimes. It looks like Nala might have already fallen for him though I did not want to jump to conclusions.
I could also hear Simba trying to calm her down, saying it's alright. I did not want to hear the rest. After all, this was their private moment, it's best not to peek at them though they are not being intimate but still. I sighed and went down to greet Sarabi.
"Hei Sarabi, how was the hunt today?" I asked her when she reached me.
"It was good actually. We brought back two zebras for our dinner."
"Ah, that's good."
I don't know how Sarabi did it, but she somehow sensed there was more to it and asked, "What are you not telling me?"
I laughed at her nervously, "How do you do that?"
She gave no answer and I breath out a sigh, "Simba was injured today during our afternoon rounds today."
It took her a few seconds for her to register that. "I'm sorry?"
I repeated what I said and her eyes were so large, I was actually worried they might burst. "What happened?" She asked.
I started to explain what had happened, when Nala wanted to follow us to do the rounds and why she could not. Then the hyenas and finally on how Simba got wounded on his left hind leg. I asked her to check on Simba to see if Rafiki should look at the wound.
The moment I finished explaining, she dashed up Pride Rock and into the den. I have never seen her run so fast, not even when she was hunting. I just hoped she won't take this hard. It was my fault anyway. Some of the lionesses heard what happened and waited for Sarabi to emerge from the den.
She did a few minutes later and had a calm look on her face. Sarafina was the first one to approach her, "Sarabi, how are they?"
She looked at her best friend and had a huge grin on her face, "I have never seen them snuggled up together so close like that. They are okay by the way. The wound on Simba's left hind leg was not serious. I just had to lick it and it should be okay. Though he won't be able to walk for a few days."
Sarafina nodded, "Snuggled together? Well, that's kind of a good news."
Sarabi agreed, "Indeed. Anyway, where are they? I called them for lunch."
We all went to the zebra to take what we can for dinner. I cut out a reasonable size and cooked it and then ate it once it was done. I found Simba eating with Nala at his side. She barely left his side since the whole incident occured. I guess she really was worried for her friend.
The sky was already pitch black when the whole pride has already finished eating. As usual, after our dinner was time for sleep. They were all gathered in the den but I stayed outside, looking up at the bright stars. I have now always spent my time after dinner looking at the stars ever since Sarabi said that the great kings of the past were up there. Although I know that is not true in science, their firm belief's somehow made me believe it to. It brought me peace.
I kep sighing to myself. I vowed to Mufasa to protect Simba but I realized today that in order to protect him, I have to protect his future mate or he will surely suffer without her on his side. This is a new vow as a guardian to Simba I have taken up.
When I was finally done star gazing, I walked into the cave to finally sleep for the night. I looked around and found that none of the lionesses were awake. Simba was snuggled up on the plateau with his mother and Nala was nearby with her mother. She must have insisted they sleep together. That's cute.
I walked to where my backpack was, watching my every step to make sure I do not accidentally step on any of the lioness. When I finally reached my destination, I picked a corner to sleep on. How I wished I could have a blanket to cover my body. It has been so long since I felt warmth. I chuckled once more on how I took things for granted. There were so many things I took things for granted.
I looked once more at the sleeping prince and then at Nala. The way they looked so peaceful when they are asleep made my eyes tired and heavy. When I could take no more, I closed my eyes and soon drifted off to sleep, with pleasant dreams awaiting for me.
Hope you enjoyed it. This is just a filler actually. The main plot will appear in two chapters. Yes, the next chapter will be a filler but it will be somehow related to the chapter on the plot line. Next chapter "Growth developement!" and well, I would also say what is chapter 12 title but that will give away the excitement, heheh. Anways, Review guys and See ya..